The trial of pro-Biafra agitator, Simon Ekpa, in a Finnish court for terrorism ended yesterday with a six years imprisonment.
This comes as the trial of the leader of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) Nnamdi Kanu, continues to drag in court after 10 years.
Päijät-Häme District Court in Lahti, Finland, on Monday sentenced Ekpa for terrorism after he was found to have used his social media handle X to incite violence in the South-eastern part of Nigeria that led to the death of hundreds of people.
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A Finnish news outlet, Yle, reported that the charges brought by the Finnish government in December 2024, “are part of a larger investigation during which the Finnish National Bureau of Investigation detained five people. Four of them were suspected of providing financing for terrorist offences. These four were released during the preliminary investigation.”
The Deputy Prosecutor General in Finland charged Ekpa with public incitement to commit a crime with terrorist intent and participation in a terrorist group.
South East residents speak
Some residents of the South East have hailed the arrest and conviction of Ekpa.
The apex social-political youth organisation, the Coalition of South-East Youth Leaders (COSEYL), said Ekpa’s conviction and eventual sentencing should engender peace and justice for residents of the region rather than heighten politically-motivated prosecutions and persecutions.
The group also called on the federal government not to ‘borrow’ the Finnish judgement and link it to the ongoing trial of the IPOB leader Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, saying, “his matter remains distinct and must be addressed within the framework of Nigerian and international law”.
The group’s President-General, Chief Goodluck Ibem, stated that “As a group committed to peace, justice, and the protection of the lives and dignity of our people, we are closely watching this development and its implications for the South-East region of Nigeria.
“We are satisfied that legal processes were followed and that justice was served in accordance with the laws of Finland.
“Simon Ekpa’s broadcasts and actions have been widely linked to the rising tension, killings, and sit-at-home orders that have crippled economic activity, endangered lives, and instilled fear in the hearts of innocent people in the South East. His sentencing, we believe, may serve as a deterrent to those who instigate violence from abroad while the people at home suffer the consequences.
“We call on all agitating parties, both at home and abroad, to embrace dialogue and constructive engagements. The South East is in desperate need of peace, development, and unity—not bloodshed and fear”, it said.
Similarly, the President of the Nigerian Farmers Cooperative Society, Abia State chapter, Chief Nwogugu Uzoma, said that though the insecurity has reduced, there are still concerns among the populace.
“It is the fear people have of the hoodlums that still keeps them behind doors on Mondays,” he said.
A resident, who spoke on the condition of anonymity, said the threat posed by another man known as “Gentle Yahoo” is leading to the attack on travellers and security personnel, especially in Imo State and called for more efforts to track him down.
Legal analyst, Hameed Ajibola Jimoh, said the order implies that Ekpa has become an ex-convict, except set aside, adding that the judgement could be tendered as evidence in Nigeria.
Different scenario for Kanu
However, the case against Kanu has continued to drag in court. Sources say the federal government’s amendment of the charges and moves for a political solution by South East leaders may have contributed to the delay of the case.
The trial has proceeded before a Federal High Court in Abuja, where he is expected to open his defence on October 10, after the federal government concluded its case against him with five witnesses, alleging his formation of the Eastern Security Network (ESN), which has unleashed violence in the South East.
Timeline of Nnamdi Kanu’s trial
Kanu was first arraigned in 2015, before a Magistrate Court in Abuja, and on October 19, 2015, on allegations of criminal conspiracy, managing and belonging to an unlawful society, and criminal intimidation under Sections 97 (b) and 397 of the Penal Code.
The charges were taken to the Federal High Court in Abuja in December 2015, where the judge ordered his release.
The federal government then filed a fresh six-count charge bordering on felony and terrorism against him alongside Benjamin Madubugwu and David Nwawusi. Both defendants were later acquitted and discharged.
According to the charges, Kanu was alleged to have between 2014 and September 2015, conspired with some unknown persons in London, through broadcasts on Radio Biafra, sought the states in the South East and South South zones, the Igala community of Kogi State and the Idoma/Igede community of Benue State to secede from the Federal Republic of Nigeria and form themselves into a Republic of Biafra.
Kanu was on April 25, 2017, granted bail on health grounds and ordered to produce the sum of N100 million bail bonds and three sureties in like sum.
The defendant was alleged to have jumped bail in September after a military invasion of his residence in Afara-Ukwu, Umuahia, Abia State.
In June 2021, the federal government arrested and renditioned Kanu from Kenya and he was rearraigned on an amended 15-count charge bordering on terrorism and treasonable felony before the Federal High Court presided over by Justice Binta Nyako.
The judge in May, struck out eight of the 15-count charges comprising counts 6, 7, 9, 10, 11, 12,13, and 14 of the charges. It okayed Kanu’s trial on counts 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 8, and 15.
However, after he appealed against the ruling, asking the Court of Appeal to discharge him of the remaining charges, the appellate court panel presided by Justice Jummai Hannatu Sankey on October 13, 2022, discharged and acquitted him, citing “executive recklessness” in his extraordinary rendition from Kenya.
On March 19, 2024, the Supreme Court acknowledged a violation of Kanu’s rights in the invasion of his residence and his extraordinary rendition, but refused his bail application and instead ordered him to return to the Federal High Court to face trial.
On September 24, 2024, Justice Nyako recused herself from the matter after Kanu demanded that the trial judge recuse herself, and the matter was reassigned to Justice James Omotosho.
There have been several efforts by leaders of the South East to get a political solution in the case of Kanu, one of it being the November 19, 2021, visit to former President Muhammadu Buhari, led by First Republic minister, Chief Mbazuluike Amaechi.
The then presidential spokesman, Femi Adesina, said Buhari told them that an ‘unconditional release’ of Mr Kanu “runs contrary to the doctrine of separation of powers between the Executive and Judiciary.”
We’ll take further action after studying judgement – FG
Speaking on the latest development yesterday, the federal government said it would take further action after it receives and studies the judgement of the Finnish court.
The Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi (SAN), in a statement on Monday, hailed the conviction of Simon Ekpa, saying it was a confirmation that he had committed heinous crimes against Nigerians, especially in the South East.
“We commend the Finnish authorities for supporting Nigeria in the fight against insecurity and see this as a signal of future collaboration,” he said, adding that appropriate legal actions would be taken after studying the judgement.
Similarly, the Minister of Information, Mohammed Idris, posted on his X handle, “We welcome the news of Simon Ekpa’s conviction by a Finnish court for terrorism-related crimes, and his sentencing to six years in prison,” he said.
He added that it was “a major victory for the Nigerian people in the collective fight against terror.”
‘DSS pushing for end to Kanu’s trial’
The Department of State Services (DSS) is pushing for the conclusion of the case of the leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu, following the conviction and six-year sentence of Ekpa, Daily Trust gathered.
A reaction from a DSS official under anonymity yesterday, revealed that the nation’s secret police was also pushing for the conclusion of other terrorism-related cases, including those of the suspects linked to Al-Shabaab and involved in the 2022 St. Francis Catholic Church, Owo attack, those of Albanawi and Yelwata, Benue State invaders, all pending before the courts.
The source revealed that the DSS was instrumental in Ekpa’s quick sentencing and conviction through the evidence it tendered.
“The agency is happy with the development because it shows that the DG’s efforts are yielding positive results. Much of the evidence used against Ekpa was tendered by the DSS,” the source told Daily Trust.
The official urged the judiciary to consider speedy dispensation of justice in many cases being handled.
“He had been charged with using his social media accounts to incite terror acts in Nigeria. Next is that of his ally and fellow content creator, Mazi Nnamdi Kanu. This is a classical case of justice served irrespective of borders. A matter that started just after his arrest in November 2024 and the commencement of trial in December has delivered judgment. That is the way to go. Speedy justice”, he said.
A strong message to terrorism sponsors hiding in foreign lands – Military
The military, on its part, warned any individual or organisation sponsoring terrorism against Nigeria, while hiding in foreign lands to stop forthwith before meeting their Waterloo.
It said the six-year jail term handed to Ekpa was a clear sign that there is no haven for groups that sponsor or encourage acts of terror against Nigeria.
The Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Musa, said Nigeria would not in any way tolerate anybody who wants to destabilise Nigeria or any other sovereign nation.
Musa, who spoke via a statement signed by the Director, Defence Information, Tukur Gusau, a Brigadier-General, described the ruling as a landmark victory in the global effort to combat terrorism and violent extremism.
The statement titled; “CDS commends Finnish court verdict on Simon Ekpa”, reaffirmed commitment to the fight against terrorism.
It read, “The Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Gwabin Musa, has expressed firm support for the judgement delivered today by the Päijät-Häme District Court in Finland, sentencing Simon Ekpa to six years in prison for terrorism-related offences.
“General Musa described the ruling as a landmark victory in the global effort to combat terrorism and violent extremism, noting that the conviction reinforces the principle that those who incite violence and fund terrorism will be held accountable, regardless of their location.”
“This judgment sends a strong message that there is no haven for individuals or groups who sponsor or encourage acts of terror against Nigeria or any other sovereign state.
“The Armed Forces of Nigeria commends the Finnish authorities for their diligence in ensuring justice is served.”
The Defence Chief also extended appreciation to Nigeria’s security, intelligence, law enforcement agencies and diplomats for their collaboration and efforts in providing evidence that led to Ekpa’s conviction.
NBA, RULAAC identify lessons for Nigeria
The Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) and the Rule of Law and Accountability Advocacy Centre (RULAAC) also praised the speedy conclusion of the trial of Ekpa, saying it is a lesson for Nigeria’s justice delivery.
The President of the NBA, Mazi Afam Osigwe (SAN), announced the position during a press conference to present the communiqué of the association’s just-concluded Annual General Conference (AGC) in Abuja on Monday.
“For me, the takeaway is the time it took to commence and conclude his trial, and I wish the Nigerian judiciary is watching and taking notes,” he said.
Osigwe also noted that Nigeria’s investigative and prosecutorial agencies have a lot to learn about efficient investigation and evidence that build a strong case, enabling the trial to proceed seamlessly so that an acquittal or conviction is clear, and if they (defendants) are dissatisfied, they can appeal against that.
He said the conviction of Ekpa also shows that persons who have access to social media should be careful how they utilise them to promote ethnic hate and terrorism, as they would be held accountable.
Similarly, the Executive Director of RULAAC, Okechukwu Nwanguma, called on the federal government to learn from Finland.
Nwanguma, who welcomed Ekpa’s sentencing and conviction, described the development as a “sobering reminder of the Nigerian government’s failure to confront insecurity and hold perpetrators of violence accountable”.
He said, “Ekpa, who styled himself as the ‘Prime Minister of Biafra Government in Exile’ exploited the pains and frustrations in Nigeria’s South East to incite violence, mobilise armed groups, and promote bloodshed through social media.
“The Finnish court found that his activities crossed the line from political agitation to terrorism – organising armed groups, facilitating weapons acquisition, and urging his followers to commit crimes in Nigeria.
“That justice came not in Nigeria but in faraway Finland is deeply telling. A foreign government investigated, prosecuted, and convicted a man for sponsoring terrorism that has killed and maimed Nigerians, while our own authorities looked away.
“This is not only an indictment of Simon Ekpa but also of a Nigerian state that continues to play politics with terrorism, corruption, and insecurity. We have seen this pattern before”, he said.
He added: “Now, Finland has done what Nigeria failed to do with Ekpa – hold him accountable for his role in the violence that has devastated communities in the South East.
“Meanwhile, those who orchestrate violence locally – whether in the guise of ‘unknown gunmen’, political thugs, or state-backed militias – are hardly ever investigated, let alone prosecuted.
“Instead, ordinary citizens, journalists, and peaceful protesters bear the brunt of police and military crackdowns. The Nigerian government cannot continue outsourcing justice to foreign jurisdictions.
“It must demonstrate the political will to investigate, prosecute, and punish terrorism and corruption at home, no matter who is involved”.